According to information from the Sub-Department of Cooperative Economics and Rural Development (Department of Agriculture and Environment), to date, the province has 444 OCOP products that have been awarded stars; including 1 five-star product (Luc Ngan lychee), 21 four-star products, and 422 three-star products. Of these, food products account for the majority with 360 products. It is expected that by the end of 2025, the province will have approximately 500 OCOP products achieving three stars or higher. The localities with the most OCOP products are Bac Giang City, Chu Town, and the districts of Tan Yen, Yen The, and Hiep Hoa.
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Luc Ngan lychee products, which have achieved 5-star OCOP certification, are on display at Co.opmart Bac Giang supermarket. |
Bac Giang's OCOP products are basically products that showcase the strengths and specialties of each locality. Some products are recognized as key products, characteristic and potential products of the province, and products from traditional craft villages. Each product has clear evidence of quality and origin. Many products apply advanced, high-quality production processes; there is attention and investment in traceability activities; quality declaration documents; product stories, etc.
Notably, in addition to focusing on selecting clean, safe, and high-quality raw materials, and designing attractive, consistent, and modern product packaging and labels, many businesses have prioritized environmental criteria. Specifically, this includes investing in and building standard waste treatment systems, avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in raw material areas, and using environmentally friendly product packaging.
Mr. Pham Van Dung, Director of Hong Xuan Agricultural Production and General Service Cooperative (Chu town), the owner of the 5-star certified lychee product, said that recognizing the environment as one of the important criteria for sustainable OCOP product development, along with focusing on improving product quality and production processes, the Cooperative chooses to use organic fertilizers and biological pesticides for lychee trees, uses biodegradable paper boxes and reusable packaging to minimize waste. At the same time, they pay attention to improving the growing area, preventing soil degradation and water pollution. As a result, the quality of lychees is increasingly ensured, with a wide market reach, meeting the requirements of demanding markets such as the US, EU, Japan, and Australia. At the end of May, the Cooperative signed an agreement with the Co.opmart supermarket system, bringing lychees to 800 sales points nationwide.
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Luc Ngan lychees, which have achieved OCOP 5-star rating, are packaged in environmentally friendly paper boxes. |
However, many OCOP (One Commune One Product) businesses in the province still do not prioritize environmental protection during the production and business process. This is due to limited capital, technical expertise, and awareness among some businesses; production is largely based on experience; and there is a lack of factory space for centralized production. Furthermore, the environmental criteria in the OCOP scoring system are still general and not specific enough (this criterion only accounts for 6 points out of 100), and only products with 4 stars or more are required to have environmental documentation and procedures as stipulated by law...
One of the specific goals identified by the Government in the One Commune One Product Program by 2025 is: "At least 30% of OCOP entities will have built value chains in the direction of circular economy, green OCOP associated with stable raw material areas; with priority given to OCOP products that have been evaluated and classified."
To ensure environmental protection is not overlooked in the "OCOP star" race, on January 20, 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) issued a document guiding units and localities to implement this content in the evaluation and recognition of OCOP products (for 5 product groups: Food, beverages, medicinal herbs and products from medicinal herbs, handicrafts, and ornamental plants) in a more specific and detailed manner. For example, in addition to having environmental documents and procedures (such as impact assessment reports; commitments, plans or projects for environmental protection approved by competent authorities…), establishments must install and operate wastewater and exhaust gas treatment systems according to regulations. For production, business, and service establishments on a household, individual, or cooperative scale, they must have appropriate on-site wastewater and exhaust gas treatment facilities and equipment; and provide documentation demonstrating the use of environmentally friendly packaging…
According to Mr. Vu Van Tuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of the province, in order to develop green OCOP in the province, the Department has directed its specialized departments to coordinate with relevant units and localities to promote the dissemination of guiding documents on implementing environmental protection criteria; and to strengthen inspection and guidance to ensure that these criteria are seriously implemented by OCOP entities.
Faced with the increasingly complex problem of counterfeit and substandard goods, consumers in Bac Giang province in particular, and the whole country in general, are paying more attention to the origin and quality of products. Consequently, OCOP products are becoming more and more popular. The "green," sustainable, and environmentally friendly aspects are also becoming new standards for agricultural products. Therefore, OCOP should not only be a program to create delicious, beautiful, and attractively packaged products, but also a program of ethical production, responsibility towards nature and the community. Each OCOP product needs to reflect not only the local flavor but also the effort to preserve the environment where it is produced.
Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment in high technology.On the morning of June 26th, at the Government Headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung received Mr. Jeff Place, Supply Chain Director of Coherent Group (USA). During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment, especially in high-tech, innovation, and semiconductor industries. To develop the OCOP (One Commune One Product) program sustainably in the province, environmental protection must become the "sixth star" alongside the existing five stars in the evaluation system. Therefore, the relevant departments need to continue proposing the addition of clear environmental criteria in the OCOP scoring system. For example, having a wastewater treatment system, using biodegradable packaging, recognizing organic or low-chemical production processes, etc. Simultaneously, it is necessary to strengthen training on clean production techniques for OCOP households and cooperatives, guiding them on how to use resources efficiently, process in a pollution-free manner, and reuse agricultural by-products. At the same time, attention should be paid to implementing preferential credit packages for OCOP production facilities that invest in waste treatment, energy saving, or circular development.
Text and photos: Tuan Duong
Source: https://baobacgiang.vn/chu-trong-phat-trien-ocop-xanh-postid419369.bbg
